Borogravia
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Borogravia is a fictional country in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series of novels, especially Monstrous Regiment. It is small and extremely war-like.
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[edit] Location
Borogravia is located Rimwards of Überwald, on the Discworld's unnamed main continent. The capital city is PrinceMarmadukePiotreAlbertHansJosephBernhardtWilhelmsberg, possibly a parody of St. Petersburg
[edit] History
The recent history of Borogravia consists mainly of fighting wars with every other country in the area (most notably Zlobenia), in the name of Nuggan. Borogravia is a Duchy, and as such is ruled by a Duke or Duchess.
[edit] Miscellaneous
- The god of the country is, or was, Nuggan, the royal family are also considerd holy.
- At some point (see Thief of Time) Borogravia was noted for its chocolate. However, since Nuggan disliked chocolate, this may no longer be the case.
- In Night Watch, it is mentioned in passing that Borogravia has invaded Mouldavia. Presumably they have switched targets by the time Monstrous Regiment occurs.
- The name comes from Borogoves, a sort of long-legged bird mentioned in Lewis Carroll's "Jabberwocky". Pratchett's dislike of Caroll's Alice books is well known.
- Alternatively, Borogravia can be read as 'borrow grave -ia', this is an example of Pratchett's punning in regards to names. It was possibly to make the country seem more bleak. However, given that the country originated as a throwaway reference to the 'High Borogravian' language in The Colour of Magic, this seems unlikely.
- A literal translation of Borogravia's national hymn reads:
- “Awake ye sons of the Motherland
- Taste no more the wine of the sour apples
- Woodsmen, grasp your choppers!
- Farmers, slaughter with the tool formerly used for lifting beets the foe!
- Frustrate the endless wiles of our enemies
- We into the darkness march singing
- Against the whole world in arms coming
- But see the golden light upon the mountain tops!
- The new day is a great big fish!”
The metre and style seem reminiscent of many of the songs in works by Bertolt Brecht, a playwright whose plays are often seemingly bleak but dominated by courage of heart — a suitable parallel for the events in Monstrous Regiment. Its last line has reached some fame for its surreal sound. Apparently, "a great big fish" is a Borogravian idiom meaning "a great opportunity".
[edit] Mentioned in
- The Colour of Magic (only as a reference to the language "High Borogravian")
- Carpe Jugulum
- Thief of Time
- Night Watch
- The Last Hero
- Monstrous Regiment
- The Fifth Elephant
